Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an illness that is chronic and due to problems in the body’s central nervous system. Myelin is a protective layer around nerve fibers, and when this is attacked by the body’s immune system, it causes lesions, scar tissue, and inflammation that make it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body.
As a result, people with MS will have difficulty in walking and suffer from fatigue. This can prevent them from performing everyday tasks. Difficulty in walking is a result of numbness in the feet, muscle weakness and spasticity, and can also lead to difficulty in balancing, and sight. MS sufferers have tremors, cannot concentrate, have difficulty in finding words and remembering things.
Once MS is diagnosed through testing and blood tests, spinal taps and other imaging techniques treatment can be through medication in various forms or/and through physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, MS Physio, is a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for MS. It can go a long way in improving the quality of life of these sufferers by improving their physical health. These physiotherapists help people with MS to improve and maintain their functional abilities. Specific rehabilitation programs can coordinate care and facilitate self management.
MS Physio is an important part of treatment for MS and involves physical therapy. This therapy involves exercises that strengthen the muscles and help in improving the way how an MS patient walks. It can also help in the maintaining of balance and coordination. Stretching during this therapy helps in the maintaining of mobility and prevents the muscles from spasms. For very badly affected patients, this therapy can also teach them how to use mobility aids, like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
In the early stages of MS, MS Physio can help the patient to learn how to support and cope with the changes that are happening in the body. It can help to develop strength and stamina that can help to delay the symptoms and exacerbating them. It is of great importance when there is a relapse and there is a need to regain abilities.
MS exercises can be aerobic and progressively help to build up strength. Aerobic activity like jogging, walking or swimming can increase the heart rate and must not be overdone. You should be breathing heavily after these exercises, but should be still able to talk. Stretching all the muscles helps to maintain the range of motion and ease stiffness. Yoga can be of help in MS Physio. Strength resistance training improves muscle strength. Warming up is a must before all these exercises.